[Possibilities of measurement of obstruction in status asthmaticus]

Basic treatment of status asthmaticus comprises among others the use of artificial pulmonary ventilation with all advantages and risks. The authors tried to express objectively the extent of obstruction of the airways from the relationship of ventilation parameters obtained from a display unit of Siemens Elema 900C ventilator and the period of intubation. Based on the investigated parameters, the inspiration pressure, the median intrathoracic pressure and pulmonary compliance, they assessed the correlation coefficient, using a computer. The value of the coefficient is postulated as the extent of obstruction. It can be also used for evaluation of the therapeutic effect and as a prognostic factor.